Avicii Interview

The Biggest DJ In The World Sets The Record Straight

DM: What’s the hardest thing about your job?TB: The traveling. Beyond that, I would say the kind of attention you get. I’ve never liked being recognized on the streets or being in the spotlight. I love DJing, but at the same time, I hate being in the spotlight. It’s weird.

DM: But you’re also the face of Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply line.TB: Yes, but that was a lot of fun. I just did a shoot for the next collection. They’re coming out with some really cool custom stuff — hats, jackets and shirts — a lot of different items. Right from the start, Ralph Lauren has been one of the best relationships we’ve had. We’ve done so much together and they’ve been a huge asset in general, and, honestly, their clothes are what I would normally wear. If I’d gone with other brands, I might have felt like I had sold out, but with a brand like Ralph Lauren, I was already wearing their clothes. It was kind of an easy decision to begin something with them.

DM: And you’re very involved with your charity, House for Hunger.TB: We just donated a million euros towards hunger relief in Africa and Sweden, and we did the same with feeding America — a million dollars. From the start, me and my manager wanted to try to fill a charitable void in the EDM scene. We try to involve House for Hunger in anything we can. During the Winter Music Conference this year, we produced a charity show and had a branded hotel. All the profits went to charity. We are also doing joint ventures with the House for Hunger and Ralph Lauren, and we’re trying to involve all our friends and other artists. It’s been a great way to give back.